AQW 6712/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 10/09/2020
Answered On Date: 24/09/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to bring forward legislation during the current mandate that would enable the use of low emission zones in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

My Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs which is leading on the development of a long term clean air strategy for Northern Ireland, creating opportunities to identify and implement further measures to improve quality whilst simultaneously cutting carbon emissions. A draft Clean Air Strategy discussion document is being developed for public consultation. During the consultation period, stakeholder views will be sought on a range of issues and it is likely that the issue of Low Emission Zones will be considered through this process.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) continues to identify, plan and implement measures to promote and enable a shift onto more sustainable modes of transport to reduce emissions and improve air quality. In the short term, we continue to support the Councils to help them deliver on their Air Quality Action Plans. In the medium term, DfI is currently preparing a new Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) for the greater Belfast area which will provide the framework for transport policy and investment decisions for the greater Belfast area up until 2035. Working in tandem with Councils’ Local Development Plan processes, the intention is to encourage new development where people can walk, cycle or use public transport making use of existing or new transport facilities planned by DfI and providing opportunities to reduce congestion and emissions.